Word
cleverly
Phoneticsclev·er·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫɛvɝɫi/
UK/klˈɛvəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. to do something in a smart or skillful way. You use this when someone finds a creative solution to a problem.
adv. in an intelligent, original, or skillful manner. Often describes the execution of a plan or the design of an object.
Examples
“She cleverly hid the gift where no one would find it.”
“The architect cleverly used mirrors to make the small apartment feel much more spacious.”
“By cleverly weaving historical facts into her fictional narrative, the author managed to educate her readers without ever sounding academic or dry.”
Examples
simple
“She cleverly hid the gift where no one would find it.”
contextual
“The architect cleverly used mirrors to make the small apartment feel much more spacious.”
complex
“By cleverly weaving historical facts into her fictional narrative, the author managed to educate her readers without ever sounding academic or dry.”
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Etymology
From clever + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cleverly